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The Australian controversial move to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are watching closely to see if this strategy will become a template for other nations.

Across Europe Movement

Across Europe, a increasing group of countries are moving toward parallel measures.

• The Danish government has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that phones and networks are "taking away our kids' childhood". Legislation could be formalized in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to implement a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media users. The media minister have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "a potential tools on the table".
• In Spain, the leader has urged lawmakers to pass a law raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has suggested a comparable action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has urged guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for minors except if guardian approval is granted. Although it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the move does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A strong age restriction is a useful first step," said a leading MEP behind the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance

Across Britain, the administration has kept open a possible ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any decision must be "based on robust evidence".

Previously, momentum gathered behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end watered down. Nonetheless, the government pledged to further research the topic.

Charities have expressed apprehensions. One foundation set up by the relatives of a girl who died after encountering harmful social media material suggests that a blanket age ban may not improve online safety and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people become eligible.

"This ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," commented a leading online safety campaigner.

America: A Fragmented Landscape

Across America, legislation is largely happening at the regional level amid national inaction.

• Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has signed a measure barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has approved a law limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with additional use needing a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed measures requiring parental consent for minors to set up social media accounts.

Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from various figures to follow the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.

Worldwide Outlook

Beyond these regions, additional countries are likewise considering moves.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, world agencies strike a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might backfire". The agency points out that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve safety.

While this global discussion unfolds, the steps of Australia and several other countries indicate that policymakers around the world are increasingly content to delay for platforms to self-regulate.